By Herman M. Lagon
IN A world where magic intertwines with reality, the tale of “Harry Potter,” penned by J.K. Rowling, invites us on a journey of self-discovery, friendship, and battling the darkest shadows. Through eight films, audiences have grown with Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger et al., witnessing their trials, tribulations, and ultimate triumph against Lord Voldemort and his mud-blood and muggle-hating followers.
Starting with the discovery of his magical heritage in “The Philosopher’s Stone” (2001) to the epic showdown in “Deathly Hallows Part 1 and 2” (2010 and 2011) the series—which also includes “The Chamber of Secrets” (2002), “The Prisoner of Azkaban” (2004), “The Goblet of Fire” (2005), “The Order of the Phoenix” (2007), and “The Half-Blood Prince” (2009)—offers more than just spellbinding tales. It mirrors the essence of adolescence, the quest for identity, and the inevitable confrontation with darkness, both external and internal.
The allure of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where magic thrives and friendships are forged, serves as the backdrop against which these adventures unfold. Each film, while staying true to Rowling’s masterful narratives, contributes a chapter to this magical saga, making the “Harry Potter” series an exemplary blend of literary fidelity and cinematic innovation. Essentially, the series highlights the transformative power of love versus the corrupting influence of unchecked ambition, the importance and strength of bonds formed with others, and the significance of personal choices in shaping one’s destiny.
True to its literary value, the series has also engrained timeless quotes such as Harry’s godfather Sirius Black’s “The ones that love us never really leave us. You can always find them, in here (pointing to Harry’s heart),” and Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore’s “It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities” and “Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.” Two of the most sentimental of all quotes are that of potions master Severus Snapes’ “Always,” which reveals his love for Harry’s mother Lily, and house-elf’s Dobby’s “Such a beautiful place, to be with friends…,” moments before he dies, after being fatally injured while rescuing Harry and his friends from Malfoy Manor.
Note, however, not included on my Top7 list are the three “Fantastic Beasts” prequels of “Harry Potter” namely, “Where to Find Them” (2016), “The Crimes of Grindelwald” (2018), and “The Secrets of Dumbledore” (2022); and the other two anthology films of “Star Wars”—”The Clone Wars” (2008) and “Solo: A Star Wars Story” (2018) and the “Mandalorian” Series. The nostalgia for the original films, heightened expectations for sequels, inconsistencies in story and character development, shifts in directorial and writing visions, and the inevitable comparisons to its iconic predecessors contribute to why these films fall short of the franchise’s standard.
Nonetheless, the “Star Wars” and the “Harry Potter” series, while distinct in milieu, converge on universal themes. Both series underscore the resilience of the human spirit, the power of camaraderie, and the ceaseless struggle between light and darkness. For many, “Star Wars” evokes nostalgia, memories of space adventures, and philosophical musings about the Force. In contrast, “Harry Potter” encapsulates the essence of youth, magical discoveries, and the perpetual fight against external and internal demons.
Both series subtly invite audiences to find the divine in the ordinary. They challenge us to perceive the extraordinary in the mundane, to recognize the threads of humanity even in galaxies far away or within enchanted castle walls.
In essence, the triple trilogy “Star Wars” and the eight-episode “Harry Potter” transcend their cinematic boundaries. They do not merely entertain; they enlighten, inspire, and continually challenge us to imagine, believe, and, above all, love. They are not just film series; they are modern-day epics imprinted on our collective psyche, echoing the timeless tales of heroism, sacrifice, faith, and the indomitable spirit of hope.
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Doc H fondly describes himself as a ‘student of and for life’ who, like many others, aspires to a life-giving and why-driven world that is grounded in social justice and the pursuit of happiness. His views herewith do not necessarily reflect those of the institutions he is employed or connected with.
